Chateau Musar launch their 2019 red

Chateau Musar launch their 2019 red

Drum roll please for the new vintage of a genuine icon.

Not many wines can truly lay claim to that term. But Chateau Musar’s red is unquestionably one of them.

Inarguably Lebanon’s most famous wine – one that almost single-handedly built the reputation of the modern face of an entire winemaking nation, it’s an astonishing testimony to determination, resilience … and exceptional winemaking.

It’s also delicious vintage on vintage – and the 2019 release maintains that sky-high standard.

Continuing over 95 years of winemaking history

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Chateau Musar’s remarkable story.

Its establishment by Gaston Hochar in 1930 … the pioneering work of his son, Serge Hochar perfecting the blend for Chateau Musar Red after his studies in Bordeaux … winning Decanter’s inaugural ‘Man of the Year’ in 1984 while carrying on Musar’s winemaking throughout Lebanon’s Civil War.

A story like that deserves a legendary wine to match – and Chateau Musar 2019 is unquestionably that.

The essence of place and vintage, aged to perfection

2019 was an abnormal year in Lebanon with record rainfall in December, January and February – in the Bekaa Valley levels exceeded 1000mm compared to the 400-600mm average.

After several years of drought however, this was a welcome relief as both viticulture and agriculture had long suffered from a lack of water, and the vintage offered perfect conditions for the classic Musar grapes of Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan.

What’s more, and intriguingly, Musar find that fermentation seems to be enhanced in rainy years, with natural yeast fermentation and malolactic fermentation completed by early November.

After 12 months in cement vats followed by another 12 months in French oak, blending took place in the Summer months of 2021, with bottling taking place the following Summer.

Then came the long pre-release bottle-ageing that is Chateau Musar’s signature. A patient slumber for the wine – as the rest of us twitched our thumbs impatiently.

Today that wait is rewarded. The 2019 is exceptional – a real Musar Red for Musar Red lovers. In Musar’s own words:

‘Dark, broody and spicy and blood red in colour. The aromas are blueberry, cranberry and blackcurrant with black olives and a touch of cloves, these follow through to the palate with added cherries, plum and spice. There is also a note of black pepper and it finishes with a good level of acidity and fine integrated tannins. It is a well-balanced wine, mature and ready for drinking upon its release at 7 years of age and has excellent ageing potential.’

Available now

It’s been two years since the launch of the last Chateau Musar Red, but safe to say it’s back with a bang.

There’s plenty more to say … but it’ll make even better reading with a glass of 2019 in hand.

Available in 75cl bottles, halves, magnums, and large formats – Jeroboams (300cl) and Imperials (600cl), we recommend those of our readers in the trade get straight in touch with their Fells Account Manager for their share of this wine world icon.

Click here for a list of all the wines and vintages currently available in the UK.